A team of Cambodian de-miners returned home to applause yesterday, at a welcoming ceremony after a year-long mission in Sudan.

The 52 de-miners who have returned brings the number of Cambodian military observers and de-miners who have served in Sudan since 2006 to a total of 577.

Five remain in the northeast African country.

Acting UN resident co-ordinator Anne Lemaistre congratulated the mine clearance team’s year-long commitment and commended Cambodia’s continuing legacy of contribution to global peacekeeping efforts.   

“By sharing your skills and experience with countries that are still struggling to rid themselves of the scourge of land mines, your work will help make development possible and give opportunities and hope to the people and the communities in which you serve,” Lemaistre said.